Generally, the higher the latitude, the better the chance of experiencing the aurora. Although the weather can be temperamental, for around eight months of the year you can see the northern lights from almost anywhere in Iceland. Otherwise, enjoy the show as you soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.
Outside Reykjavik, small towns such as Hvolsvollur and Vik are great bases from which to chase the lights, as is Lake Myvatn in the north. In the west, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula features caves, glaciers and a spectacular coastline. Greenland i s not very green at all. For years, Greenland was out of bounds to everyone but scientists, explorers and the most resilient native communities.
These days, however, adventurous travellers are heading to Greenland for whale watching, dogsledding and exploring. Kangerlussuaq, in the west, is in the heart of the aurora belt; you can also catch a pretty decent light show in Nuuk. The best way to discover Greenland is on an Arctic voyage, which gives you access to great wildlife including polar bears, arctic foxes and walruses , islands such as stunning Ella Island , the longest fjord system in the world, Scoresbysund, and remote Inuit communities like Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated settlement in the country.
Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories, is another popular destination; Peregrine offers an Arctic Watch experience on Somerset Island, just off the coast. AuroraMAX, an educational project, broadcasts local northern light activity online. A popular destination is the town of Tromso, within the Arctic Circle.
Long winter nights are good but not necessarily the best time. I suggest autumnal equinox in September, when there are pleasant temperatures in polar latitudes. Find the dark hours of your location here , or by using a sky guide app. And remember: Besides weather, a dark sky and the right season are the keys. Try moonless nights. Even without the northern lights, Iceland is an otherworldly place to visit, with glaciers, geysers, massive waterfalls, and volcanoes. However, a good coastline road around the country lets you chase clear skies.
I have seen my best auroras from Kirkjufell mountain on the west coast. Across the country, sky watchers can take in the dancing lights from outdoor hot tubs, inside Buubble lodges, and from hot spring lagoons.
Located just two degrees below the Arctic near international airport and close to the impressive Denali National Park , Fairbanks is the best place in the U.
It even has its own forecast system and offers tours to take visitors far from city lights. This Northwest Territories capital on the shores of Great Slave Lake boasts its own Aurora Village and special activities for northern lights tourism.
Canada is an aurora viewing paradise, thanks to its northern latitude and low light pollution; elsewhere in the country, Wood Buffalo and Jasper National Park are popular viewing spots. When to Go: Mid-August to late April. The largest urban area in northern Norway is miles north of the Arctic Circle, but thanks to the Gulf Stream the coastline has surprisingly moderate temperatures.
It also has beautiful scenery, magnificent fjords, and the Lyngen Alps. Other popular locations in the country are the Lofoten Islands and the far northern towns of Alta, Nordkapp, and Kirkenes. A short drive from the town takes you to a good spot for aurora viewing. But head farther south for beautiful auroras and attractions like Qaleraliq Glacier , which has small floating icebergs even in summer. You hear about northern lights more often than southern lights aurora australis because there are fewer locations to see auroras from the Southern Hemisphere.
Your best chance is on the southern tip of both Tasmania Australia and New Zealand , where a dark sky will help you see any active auroras over the southern horizon. Watch the lights dance across the sky from the comfort of your bed.
During the day, head out on reindeer and snow tank safaris. The winter nights come alive in Alberta. Your best shot to see the aurora borealis is September through mid-May. Stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge , which offers dark-sky experiences. Vacations By Rail offers train tours to regions that are ideal for aurora borealis spotting. The northern lights over the waters of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
Straddling the Minnesota-Canada border, Voyageurs National Park is a ,acre wonderland that offers up expansive views of impressive meteor showers and northern lights shows in the unpolluted skies. Voyageurs is working toward an International Dark Sky Park designation to highlight and preserve the vast views, which it hopes to earn in To fully immerse yourself in this experience—and the park that is one-third water—stay on a houseboat and think about the adventures the fur traders this park is named after experienced on these same waters many years ago.
Voyageurs also runs nighttime junior ranger programs. Looking for a hidden gem in Alaska? In the two-story timber-frame lodge, owners Annie and Mike Hooper showcase Alaskan artists, with works on display throughout the property. In winter, the lodge can arrange outings with photographers who take guests on light-chasing excursions and can teach you how to take photos of the northern lights.
Guests will be able to kayak right under the property, go ice climbing, indulge in night fishing and—best of all—see spectacular northern lights views. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here.
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